Handloads: A Heavy-Hitting 12 Gauge

by
posted on December 19, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hand12ga.jpg

virtual “pumpkin,” this heavy-hitting 12-ga. load is composed of a 2" Cheddite hull with a Cheddite 209 primer and 26 grs. of Hi-Skor 800-X propellant. That combination launches the 550-gr., 0.715"-wide, hardened lead round ball from a 2558" barrel at 1252 f.p.s., resulting in 1,914 ft.-lbs. of energy. That’s more than many full-house .454 Casull loads. Even from a smoothbore shotgun, accuracy is surprisingly good—measuring 3.16" for 25 shots at 20 yds. Due to its short overall length, which is approximately 1 3/4" when loaded, you’re afforded additional magazine capacity. The end result is a load that’s perfect for protection in the home and around camp, as well as for close-in big-game hunting.

Latest

Ruger Beretta Agreement F Updated
Ruger Beretta Agreement F Updated

Beretta Holding and Ruger Agree to Partnership

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. have announced that both companies are entering into a strategic cooperation agreement.

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

The Armed Citizen® May 4, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.